Tripping GFCI Breaker - Balboa BP Heater Fault Test

A fault within the Heater may result in the Spa tripping the main GFCI. If the GFCI trips within seconds after the power is turned on, it is most likely a Heater fault.

In order to determine if a fault within the Heater tube is causing the breaker to trip, proceed to disconnect the Heater from the Circuit Board. If after having the heater disconnected, the Spa stays ON and no longer trips the GFCI, then you have confirmed there is a fault with the heater and it will need to be replaced.

IMPORTANT: Extreme caution must be exercised as this process requires the spa to be powered on and off during testing. Please be sure to turn OFF the power to the spa before opening the pack or touching any components on the circuit board.

240V Spas: Shut the power off at the GFCI Breaker Panel and check the Topside Control Panel to confirm it is off.

120V Plug & Play Spas: Press the Test button and unplug the GFCI from the outlet.

To have the Heater disconnected from the Circuit Board, follow the steps below:

1. With the Spa Power OFF, remove all front panels of your Spa to gain access to the heater and proceed to close the slice valves located on each side of the Control Pack. This will stop the flow of water going to the heater tube.

2. With both slice valves fully closed, proceed to loose the unions on both sides of the heater tube to allow the remaining water to drain.

3. Proceed to remove the lid of the Control Pack to expose the connections to the Circuit Board.

4. Once you have removed the lid, you will see the Heater Tube. The Balboa BP Heater connects to the Control Pack via a 3 pin plug located on the bottom left side of the circuit board. Disconnect the Heater plug from the circuit board by pressing the release tab and pulling out the plug.

Heater connection release tab

Heater connection on bottom left side of circuit board

5. Once you have disconnected the Heater, turn the power back on and monitor the spa as the system starts up.

If the GFCI no longer trips when power is restored and you are able to operate all functions (except heating, of course), this would be a strong indication of a Heater Fault and the Heater should be replaced.

NOTE: If you don't have a replacement heater on hand, let the system stay running in order to filter the water and keep it circulating until a new Heater is installed.

To watch a video showing how to complete this Heater Fault Test, click HERE.